OPTO COMPRESSOR 'Train-wrecked Series'

THE WORLD’S MOST BELOVED OPTICAL COMPRESSOR

The AudioScape Opto Comp is a faithful reproduction of the original circuit, with some modern-day modifications to enhance its performance. To ensure authenticity and unparalleled box-tone, it incorporates NOS tubes and NOS carbon-composite resistors. At the heart of the Opto Comp is its custom T4B opto-attenuator, made in-house by our very own techs.

Overall, the Opto Comp strives to recreate the sonic elegance of the legendary compressor it is based on, utilizing the finest components and craftsmanship.

MORE VERSATILE

One significant modern enhancement was moving the R37 high frequency control trim pot to the front panel of the unit. In the 1960’s, this control was located on the back and was set by the factory depending on the application. By moving it to the front, it is now accessible and convenient to adjust.

Originally, this trim pot was factory set to a "flat" side-chain response for recording purposes (fully-clockwise). Now accessible on the front panel, by turning it counter-clockwise you can increase the resistance, filtering out low frequency, high energy elements. This filtering of low frequencies to our T4B opto-attenuator shifts the focus of the compression to higher frequencies. Check out the video below to see how this high frequency trim pot control helps define the compression range and increases its versatility.

T4B BUILT IN-HOUSE

We hand-build our own T4B opto-attenuators in the vintage tradition, using the resistor across the panel, true to the original schematics, as opposed to the newer JBL-era T4Bs used as the standard for other manufacturers.

TECH RANT

True to the original spec we use:

• 1/2 watt carbon composite resistors are used

• Cornell Dubilier, Panasonic and Nichicon capacitors throughout. 

• NOS vintage tubes and custom-wound Cinemag transformers. 

The T4B Opto-Attenuators are manufactured in-house using the highest grade photocells and replica EL Panels.  We compare our T4B against vintage UREI, Kenetek and Drip T4s which use similar components i.e, carefully matched Silonex NSL5910, Replica EL Panels, etc.

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY AN OPTO COMP?

• Proudly built in small-batches from end to end on-site here in the USA by a small team of skilled assemblers.  Each assembler is assigned 2 products, making them masters of their craft.

• Know where your hard-earned money is going and feel good about any purchase made from us.  Every dollar spent helps feed a family, fund college tuition and supports new product development / R & D.

• Our margins are very tight. But, this sacrifice allows us full control over every aspect of the manufacturing and assembly process.

• We are able to capitalize on the USA surplus market and use NOS parts where it matters and most importantly, we are able to offer a product that is (in our biased opinions), simply a step above the competition. 

AUDIOSCAPE offers a HASSLE-FREE, 2-YEAR WARRANTY included with every unit we sell!

*FREE PATCHRAT PRO SUBSCRIPTION INCLUDED WITH EVERY PURCHASE!**

FEATURES & SPECS:

• Handcrafted in the USA

• Stylish 3U 19" Rackmount USA Made Case and Front Panel (aesthetically period-correct)

• Premium, NOS Tubes in Audio Section - New Production Tubes Don't Cut it in this Circuit

• AudioScape T4B Opto-Attenuator - Custom, Hand-Built and Sonically Period-Correct (true to vintage tradition).

• Exclusive, Custom-Wound Input Transformer (exacting replica of the original)

• Exclusive, Custom-Wound Output Transformer (exacting replica of the original)

• Cornell Dubilier (CDE) Polypropylene Capacitors

• Panasonic Radial Polyester Capacitors

• NOS Allen-Bradley Carbon Comp Resistors

• Carling (the BEST!) Toggle Switches

• +40dB Make-up Gain

• Analog dB Gain-Reduction Meter Perfectly Calibrated

• Davies Original-Styled Knobs

• Electronically Balanced +4dBu circuitry

• Neutrik XLR Input and Output connectors

• Alpha potentiometers and Rotary Switch

• Stereo Link via Cliff TRS Jack (Located on Back of Unit)

• Custom 120V/240V Power Transformer
  

  **specifications, parts & pricing subject to change because sh*t happens ;-)

FEATURED VIDEO DEMOS

SEE IT IN ACTION!

Below is a video highlighting the sound of this lovely compressor. The main point of the video is to show the advantage of having the high frequency control on the front panel and the limit/compress switch function. I would recommend using headphones or critical monitors as a lot of the examples use subtle compression. It barely scratches the surface of what this compressor can do but should give a decent idea of functionality.

HEAR IT IN ACTION!

DOCUMENTATION:

• OPTO COMP QUICK-START

• OPTO MANUAL